Class 8 NCERT Notes for Geography

03. Land, Soil and Agriculture Geography Class 8 Chapter 3 Notes

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03. Land, Soil and Agriculture Geography Class 8 Chapter 3 Notes


Introduction to Agriculture


This chapter focuses on agriculture as a primary economic activity that involves the cultivation of crops and rearing livestock. It emphasizes the significance of agriculture to the economy, the factors that influence agricultural practices, and the economic activities related to farming. With 50% of the world’s population engaged in agriculture, it plays a crucial role in food security.: .,


Economic Activities


Agriculture is intertwined with primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activities.

  • Primary Activities: Involve extraction of natural resources like agriculture, fishing, and gathering.
  • Secondary Activities: Deal with processing these resources, such as manufacturing flour from wheat.
  • Tertiary Activities: Provide services to support the other two sectors, such as transport and banking.
  • Examples: A farmer grows wheat (primary), flour manufacturers process it (secondary), and transport companies deliver the flour (tertiary).
  • Agriculture is primarily an economic activity that supports livelihoods globally, especially in rural areas.,

Types of Farming


Farming is categorized into subsistence and commercial farming based on scale and intent.

  • Subsistence Farming: Grown primarily for personal consumption. It’s often labor-intensive, using simple tools.
  • Intensive subsistence farming maximizes land use, often seen in densely populated areas.
  • Primitive subsistence includes shifting cultivation and nomadic herding, involving rotational farming and animal husbandry.
  • Commercial Farming: Focused on producing crops for sale. It involves larger land areas, machinery, and capital.
  • Examples include mixed farming and plantation agriculture where large monocultures can be cultivated for market sale.,

Major Crops


A diverse range of crops are cultivated for consumption and industrial use.

  • Cereals: Rice, wheat, and maize are staple foods consumed worldwide.
  • Fibre Crops: Jute and cotton provide raw materials for textile production.
  • Beverage Crops: Coffee and tea are significant cash crops with global demand.
  • Conditions like temperature, rainfall, and soil type critically impact their growth.
  • Each crop requires specific environments; for instance, rice needs high humidity while wheat requires moderate conditions.,

Agricultural Development


Enhancing agricultural productivity to meet food needs is vital.

  • Developments include increasing farmland, crop diversity, and enhancing irrigation.
  • Mechanization: Use of machines improves efficiency, crucial for large-scale farming.
  • The focus is not only on growing more food but also ensuring its nutritional quality and accessibility for all people.,

Case Studies: Agriculture in India and USA


This highlights differences in agricultural practices between developing and developed nations.

  • Farm in India: Small-sized farms, traditional practices, and cooperative systems support smallholder farmers.
  • Farm in the USA: Larger farms, advanced technology, and scientific methods optimize production efficiency.
  • The farmers in the USA operate more like business owners, using satellite technology for informed farming decisions.,

Conclusion


Agriculture is fundamental to human survival and the economy. Understanding its varied practices, impacts, and advancements prepares students to appreciate its role in society and global food security.: .

Keywords and Definitions:

  • Agriculture: The science and art of cultivating the soil, raising crops, and rearing livestock.
  • Subsistence Farming: Farming that provides enough food for the farmer’s family with little surplus.
  • Commercial Farming: Large-scale farming aimed at selling products for profit.
  • Horticulture: Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers for commercial purposes.
  • Plantation Agriculture: Large-scale farming of a single crop like tea or coffee, typically in tropical regions.

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